In the land that has provided the world with Bossa Nova and the ever cultural attribution given to Ipanema, Brazil also provides insight to some of the most interesting social and urban landscapes in the world. The urban centers of Brazil - Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro- are rich in layers, language, textures, inspiration and creative opportunities. With plenty of people and a thriving center for cultural transactions, it takes a creative mind to build and design order out of this sometimes, chaotic urban fabric. Mauricio Arruda, a Brazilian architect based in Sao Paulo has been able to share with out readers how he leveraged such complexity.

Jose Collection is a family of storage furniture pieces produced out of materials and processes that achieve a more responsible environmental impact. With previous experiences in design research and academia, his approach to the collection analyzes the product's life cycle. The urban landscape produces plenty of material that goes overlooked and underused; Arruda was able to see the opportunity to such urban norm. By combining an archetype with available plastic containers, he was able to create a transitory object that speaks to different levels- cultural and environmental.

The collection utilizes solid wooden sheets that carry the FSC seal (Forest Stewardship Council) and treating those sheets with a natural camauba wax without the use of solvent-based finishes keeps the material fresh. The piece is then completed by adding multi-colored plastic containers creating a humble, practical and dynamic piece. The pieces speak to the nature of improvisation and to the transient state of urban markets.

You have to be able to take what you have and re-use it differently if the conditions change, that is the culture of a city.

The containers can be removed from the units, and used to store objects, toys, food, clothing, etc. If a quick trip to the market is close and casual, the container can serve as a plastic bag replacement. In this urban dominated world we must stay flexible and understand the multiplicity of experiences. The materials provide a connection to a much lower social class but together, as a design solution, it expands its demographic to a contemporary piece that resonates will all. It breaks down class and social divisions; it connects all of us to its root, the city. Jose Collection connects to the root of the Brazilian identity - rich, diverse, vibrant, innovative. Yatzer continues to see great work from this beautiful country and we love to share with our readers the talent and uniqueness to the Brazilian design consciousness.